Water Effects Product Photography for Spinlock.
In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Spinlock on a dynamic two-day product photography shoot. Spinlock’s brief was clear: to showcase their Explorer range of bags, including the compact 2-litre waist-worn bag and the spacious 35-litre roll-top bag, with an emphasis on their 100% waterproof capabilities. The result was a creative exercise in product and water effects photography, combining bold visuals and technical precision.
Highlighting Waterproof Design with Water-based Photography
To demonstrate the bags’ waterproof properties, we incorporated dramatic water elements into the shoot. The 2-litre waist-worn bag was plunged into a tank of water, freezing the moment it went beneath the surface. For the 35-litre roll-top bag, we sprayed and threw water across it in the studio, emphasising its resilience and functionality. These water effects not only highlighted the products’ features but also added a sense of energy and movement to the imagery.
Factors to Consider in Water Effects Product Photography
Photographing products with water involves several challenges and considerations to ensure the best results. The first step is controlling the water itself. Whether it’s splashes, sprays, or submersions, understanding how water behaves in motion is important. Fast shutter speeds combined with specialist high-speed flash and precise timing are key to capturing dynamic water effects without losing clarity.
Lighting also plays a pivotal role. Water reflects and refracts light unpredictably, so careful placement of lights and modifiers is essential to avoid unwanted glare, reflections or shadows. For this shoot, critically placed lighting helped accentuate the water droplets and splashes while maintaining focus on the bags.
Protecting the equipment is another significant factor. Using waterproof covers and maintaining a controlled environment minimises risks to cameras and lenses during water-based setups.
Finally, creative direction and planning are key. Collaborating with stylists and art directors on the shoot ensures that the water effects align with the brand’s vision and that the products remain the central focus of the imagery.
Striking Visuals and Bold Colour Combinations
The choice of a strong red backdrop by Spinlock’s art director provided a striking contrast to the Explorer bags’ colour palettes. The blue of the roll-top bag and the yellow and grey of the waist-worn bag popped against the vibrant red, creating visually compelling product shots that draw the viewer’s attention. This approach reinforced the bold and adventurous spirit of Spinlock’s brand.
Lifestyle Integration
In addition, the shoot included studio images featuring a model wearing waterproof gear with the roll-top bag. As water sprayed across the scene, the imagery captured the functionality and durability of the products in action.
Technical Excellence with the Fujifilm GFX 100 II
For this shoot, I used the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, a 102-megapixel medium format camera that excels at capturing intricate details. This equipment was crucial for rendering the textures of the bags and the dynamic water splashes with stunning clarity, ensuring that every droplet added to the narrative of waterproof reliability.
Balancing Creativity and Clarity
The project also included product shots, also known as packshot photography, to clearly illustrate the features and design of the bags. Balancing creative water-based shots with clean, strong product photography ensured that the images catered to a range of marketing needs. This shoot exemplified the power of combining creative concepts with technical expertise in studio product photography.
Spinlock: Excellence in Design and Manufacture
Spinlock is an independent and innovative company based in Cowes, UK, the ‘Home of Yachting’. They have over fifty years of experience in designing and manufacturing for the marine sector.
With a history rooted in innovation and excellence, the company has consistently set benchmarks in quality and functionality. Known for their cutting-edge sailing gear and accessories, Spinlock’s products combine durability with performance, making them a trusted choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design has cemented their reputation as a global leader in the watersports and marine industries.
See more examples of my product photography here and examples of my lifestyle photography here. Get in touch to discuss any projects that require premium images.